Updated August 2026
Are you looking for information to support your family, school, or communities' quest to become more eco aware? Or do you want to improve your outdoor spaces? Look no further, we have curated a list of eco resources to help guide and inform your journey, helping to build a better, brighter future. See also Connect's extensive guide to Eco Events and Projects for your school community - it's full of brilliant ideas for parent groups and families!
Education & Learning
- For Scottish national policy and approaches, read the Scottish Government's Learning For Sustainability Action Plan.
- Learning Through Landscapes Scotland promotes outdoor learning and outdoor play, with training for staff, grants for school grounds projects, ideas for improving school outdoor spaces and for climate change-ready school grounds. Climate School 180 information is here.
'We provide education initiatives for children, young people and educators which focus on environmental issues. We are here to help you to understand the challenges our environment faces and to empower you to take positive action.'
- Outdoor Learning Directory lists resources and information from Scotland's public bodies to support outdoor learning - an important consideration for any school grounds improvement projects and also for children's health and wellbeing.
Eco-School Scotland is part of an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. It is an environmental management tool, learning resource and recognised award scheme which supports Learning for Sustainability in the curriculum.
Hosted by Learning Through Landscapes Scotland, there are resources to support school grounds improvement projects, with a climate-ready focus.
Glasgow Eco Trust is a local environmental charity and social enterprise based in West Glasgow that coordinates and delivers a range of environmental activities and services. Glasgow Eco Trust believes that local people are best placed to meet the needs and aspirations of their communities to create vibrant, thriving, and resilient communities that benefit people, place and planet.
Originally founded in 1982, the Young People's Trust for the Environment is a charity which aims to encourage young people's understanding of the environment and of the need for sustainability.
'We want to give young people a real awareness of environmental problems, such as climate change, disappearing wildlife, the pollution of soil, air and water, the destruction of rainforests and wetlands, the spread of desert regions and the misuse of the oceans.'
- Sustainable Development Goals (Keep Scotland Beautiful Climate Action)
These goals provide comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and injustice. When these goals are integrated into learning, children and young people can find out about these issues, and also feel empowered to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
Primary Awards for Green Education in Schools
The Association’s purpose is to promote all forms of environmental education, and to support all those involved in its delivery, so that together we can understand and act on the need to live more sustainably in order to protect the future of our planet.
'We believe that young people have a right to first-hand educational experiences in their local environment, because these are critical in helping people understand the importance of the biosphere to all life on the planet, as well as being a source of wellbeing and fulfilment, and a motivation towards sustainable living. The Association is committed to campaigning for a strong focus on environmental and sustainability issues across the school curriculum and happy to support the work of Teach the Future.'
'We must all play a part in tackling climate change. By making changes to how we travel, what we buy, reducing our waste and changing how we use energy at home, we can help to reach net zero emissions by 2045. Find out what actions you can take now. Scotland, let’s do net zero.'
Working in partnership is at the very heart of Scotland’s environment web. With contributions from some of Scotland’s leading organisations that look to protect and improve the environment, the website presents information in a way that makes it easy for people to find what they are looking for.
'We bring people together to create, improve and care for green spaces. From local parks and community gardens to Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest; from school grounds and hospital grounds to waterways, wetlands and woodlands; we connect people to the green spaces that form a vital part of any healthy, happy community. Our team of dedicated, passionate staff and volunteers work with communities across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland and, through our Community Network, we support local community groups across the UK.'
'We help people learn about the environment so they can make informed choices about how best to protect it. We offer opportunities for people to engage with the outdoors for their benefit. We inspire people to be passionate about the environment.'
Eco Awards
Awards are a wonderful way to recognise your school or parent body in their environmental endeavors. Through acknowledging achievements and progress, visions and continual development are reinforced and embedded.
The Trust's John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places. It is inclusive, accessible, and non-competitive, though should challenge each participant. The Award encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment through a structured yet adaptable scheme, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.
It’s open to all who can understand and meet the Award Criteria. It is ideally suited for those participants working at the later stage of primary education and beyond. Adults are welcome to get involved too – on their own, in groups, or alongside younger participants.
The Green Flag Award is a visible indication of your school's commitment to Learning for Sustainability and an internationally recognised accreditation for excellence in sustainable education.
The Green Tree Schools Award encourages outdoor learning and inspires pupils about trees, woods and wildlife.
Through the award, your school can take part in fun, practical projects while helping the environment and improving your grounds. It’s completely free and resources and support are provided to help you get the most out of it.
Climate Grants
There are several wonderful grants available, offering an array of financial support for your Eco endeavours. Many of these are specific to an area or requirement. These funding options can help parent groups and your school community initiate and sustain environmental projects, contributing positively to their schools and wider communities.
Learning through Landscapes – Local School Nature Grants
This grant provides £500 for outdoor equipment, an outdoor learning training session for staff, a climate curriculum kit, and a school grounds climate survey. It is open to school and early years settings across Scotland. Parent groups can work with their school to initiate this project.
NatureScot lists a variety of grant funds linked to nature and the environment here.
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland - The National Lottery Community Fund
Grants are offered for projects, including environmental initiatives. Parent groups might be eligible, depending on the project and community context.